The Summit Realty Advisors proposed land development plan in Tredyffrin Township includes the construction of a CVS Pharmacy with drive-through window and the demolition of the old Covered Wagon Inn. What’s the saving, If there’s a will, there’s a way” …

Several people have commented on Community Matters, Save the Covered Wagon Facebook page and on the Change.or petition about a land development project on Egypt Road in Lower Providence Township, Montgomery County. That 2006 CVS redevelopment project included a proposal to demolish the Audubon Inn, an 18th century building and is eerily similar to Summit’s proposed plan to demolish the old Covered Wagon Inn for the construction of a CVS with drive-thru.

The proposed land development plan for the CVS in Audubon contained approximately 2 acres and the circa 1757 Audubon Inn was located on the corner at the intersection of Egypt Road and Park Avenue. Much like what has happened here since last week’s announcement at the Planning Commission meeting to demolish the Covered Wagon Inn, there was a public outcry of opposition and interested citizens came together to save the Audubon Inn from demolition.

The CVS/Audubon Inn developer Redwood Holdings of Cherry Hill, NJ spent several years (and no doubt much money in addition to time) working with township officials, the county planning commission, and local interest groups for resolution. In the end, Redwood Holdings was able to build their CVS Pharmacy with drive-through but also save and preserve the Audubon Inn.

The CVS drugstore in Audubon was built to resemble a traditional barn, so as to complement the existing Audubon Inn. Complementary materials, colors and architectural details were used to blend with the historic character of the Audubon Inn. A fieldstone façade, varied rooflines, window design with dormers and shutters, etc. was an attempt by Redwood Holdings to reduce the impact and create an overall appealing aesthetic for the community and Audubon Inn.

The CVS/Audubon Inn project was so successful, that the Montgomery County Planning Commission awarded the CVS Pharmacy and Audubon Inn the 2008 award in Excellence in Planning And Design! In the description of the award, it stated that the project “preserved the historic inn and successfully integrated a new drugstore into an historic setting.” According to one article I read, community input and collaboration between the township and developers was critical to the success of the project.

The Audubon Inn was meticulously restored by the law firm of Fuey & Baldassari and now houses their law offices.

I have stated and will re-state that I am no opposed to development, I’m only opposed to the unnecessary demolition of historic properties. Summit Realty Advisors has a right to build their CVS with drive-through at this location. Tredyffrin Township has no historic preservation ordinance protecting its historic buildings — not even its National Historic Register properties are not protected!) so therefore, … Summit has the right to demolition the Covered Wagon Inn. But I firmly believe in the saying, “If there’s a will, there’s a way” and the CVS/Audubon Inn project shows how successfully it can abe done!

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Addendum: The National Trust for Historic Preservation is so concerned about the epidemic of chain drug stores that they have added a statement on their website in this regard. Interesting …

Chain drugstores are expanding rapidly into traditional American downtowns and urban neighborhoods. Research of the National Trust Main Street Center has shown that drugstore chains can play a role in revitalizing older downtowns. The National Trust for Historic Preservation is pleased to see these investments by chain drugstores in situations where they are welcomed by the community and do not threaten a town’s character or historic integrity.

5 Comments

Thank you CVS corporation for saving the Audubon Inn. According to the article, not only did your company spare the Inn, you redesigned the store to be complimentary in style to the Inn.
Please do the same with the Covered Wagon Inn.
You have the ability to preserve and enhance an historical site. If you elect to replicate what was done in Audubon CVS will benefit from community goodwill and positive PR.

Please save this nations history for our descendants. To tell you the truth I have done my best not to shop in your stores due to the fact that you had the option to save Indianas oldest Quaker Meeting House and you chose to tear it down. This took place in Richmond, Indiana.

There are many pharmicies to choose from in this area. If CVS is insensitive to the history of our community and how we enjoy the beautiful architecture that remains , I will take my business elsewhere. Why pave paradise when there is already a drug store on every corner. Enough already! Hands off the Covered Wagon Inn. Unlike CVS stores, it’s timeless and priceless.

There are a few facts missing from this. The ONLY reason that CVS relented was because a citizens group (Friends of Lower Providence a 501c3 non-profit) formed and brought legal action against the township for spot zoning the Audubon Inn property (which is illegal) and would have been very costly and held up the development plans. There was only compromise from CVS after the legal action was brought. Until that happened, CVS did not make any concessions and was not interested in making any changes to their plans. Speaking from experience, they will not compromise unless they have to. Attorney, Gilbert High, was used to represent Friends of Lower Providence.

Thank you Stacie for offering the background on Audubon Inn and what it took to save it for the community. Because Tredyffrin Twp does not have a historic preservation ordinance to prevent the demolition, the community really is at the mercy of the developer, Summit Realty Advisors. I have heard only good things about the owner of Summit. At this point, I am still hopeful that another land development plan will allow the preservation of the Covered Wagon Inn.